But Crossmichael builder is hopeful about future after regaining limited movement

A Crossmichael builder has been left paralysed after plunging 15-feet from a roof.

John Nodwell, who is self-employed, plummeted head-first onto concrete while working on a job in Auchencairn.

But despite being told he would never walk again, the determined 51-year-old has already regained limited movement in his left hand and legs.

His wife Hazel, 49, said: “You take everything for granted until something like this happens.

“But John’s doing amazing. He’s not lost his sense of humour and is focusing on the positives.

“He is going all out to get better and keeps exceeding the doctor’s expectations in physiotherapy. He is so strong willed.”

Doctors told the family that because all spinal injuries are different, regaining movement would depend on how John’s body reacted to the injury he sustained on February 20.

Hazel, a foster carer, added: “We are just relieved there was no brain damage.

“He is very secure in his thoughts and we are looking to the future. Any movement he gets back now is a bonus.

“So far he has slight movement in his index finger and thumb on his left side but his right arm is still in plaster from the fall. He can now bring his knees together, lift his left leg slightly and rotate the foot.”

John suffered a C5 spinal injury and tetraplegic (four-limb) paralysis from the fall. After the accident he was transferred to a specialist spinal injuries unit in Glasgow where his condition continues to improve.

Speaking from his hospital bed in Glasgow, he asked the News to pass on his thanks for all the support his family has received over the last eight weeks.

He said: “I have been overwhelmed with all the well wishes and messages and, even with the distance, I have had a visitor every day which has been a real comfort.”

The couple were forced to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary in hospital just four days after John’s accident. His 51st birthday and daughter Jasmine’s 10th birthday were also marked at his bedside.

Although John’s condition has improved slightly he has been told he will be in a wheelchair for life.

But he has already decided to use a manual one to ensure he is constantly pushing his mind and body as far as he can.

He has also started to make plans to adapt his house for his return home.

While the family remains positive about the future, they have had to take the hard decision to close their business, which employs four people.

Hazel said: “We have to focus on the family right now. John and the business are well respected around here but without him it just wouldn’t be the same.

“He has agreed that it was the right decision to make.”

Son Richard, 28, has kept the business going to make sure all outstanding jobs are completed.

Staff will work on until May and John and Hazel are “thankful and relieved” everybody has managed to secure new jobs.

Hazel added: “They are a great team. John told me if this had happened to any of them he would never have forgiven himself.

“So in a way he is glad that, if it had to happen to anybody, it happened to him.”